ABILITY we are your local not for profit community bus company. We operate a weekly bus service from Pattishall into Towcester on a Monday and we also offer day trips that are released on a quarterly basis to garden centres plus places of interest. The bus is open to everyone, we have over 1300 members from a few months old to over 100. If people suffer with mobility issues or would just prefer the option we can collect, drop off people to their home.
We also now have a car scheme that people can use to attend appointments at the hospital, GP appointments, opticians, dental and clinic appointments or attend a funeral. Accommodating up to 4 seated passengers plus 1 wheelchair passenger, prices on request.
Volunteer drivers needed for our car scheme
Interested? - call 01327 604123
West Northamptonshire Council is encouraging all residents, especially those most vulnerable, to take advantage of a wide
range of financial support available this winter.
With rising costs affecting households, now is the time to ensure that everyone who is eligible can access the help they need.
A number of schemes are in place to help with heating bills, household expenses, and general financial hardship. Support available includes:
Pension Credit
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim: this benefit is available to residents of State Pension age on a low income. Pension Credit can
top up weekly income to £218.15 for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. Additionally, it unlocks access to other benefits, such as help with council tax, a free TV licence for over-75s, and
additional support like the Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter Fuel Payment
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment: residents born on or before 25 September 1957 could receive between £250 and £600 to help with heating bills this
winter. The amount depends on age, household circumstances, and if other benefits are being claimed.
Cold Weather Payment
https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment : For those on certain benefits, a payment of £25 is made when the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius
or below for seven consecutive days. It’s automatic for eligible residents, so no need to apply.
Warm Home Discount
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme : this is a one-off discount of £150 on electricity bills for low-income households. Those eligible for Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits can receive this discount automatically through their energy provider.
Household Support Fund
https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund> : this benefit is for residents facing immediate hardship, the Household Support Fund provides essential help with food, utilities, and other urgent needs. Applications can be made via the council’s website for those who need emergency support.
Council Tax Reduction
https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/council-tax-reductions-discounts-and-exemptions/apply-council-tax-reduction>
: low-income households, including pensioners and those on certain benefits, can apply for Council Tax Reduction to lower their council tax bill. This is particularly useful for households balancing
limited income with rising living costs.
To ensure residents have access to advice and support, West Northamptonshire Council is running drop-in sessions across the area. Here, residents can receive free money advice and assistance with
filling out applications for these financial support schemes. The sessions will take place at local libraries, community centres, and GP surgeries throughout the winter months. Full details,
including dates and locations, are available on the Council’s website:
https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/communicating-us/monthly-drop-sessions>
Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet member for Corporate Services and HR, said:
“We know this winter will be particularly tough for many residents, with rising costs putting additional pressure on household budgets. That’s why we’re urging everyone who is eligible to make sure
they apply for the financial support they’re entitled to. Whether it’s help with heating bills or assistance to cover other essentials, these schemes are there to provide vital relief. Please take
advantage of our drop-in sessions where our advisors can guide you through the application process and offer tailored advice.”
For more information about the available support and to find out about the nearest drop-in session, visit www.westnorthants.gov.uk <https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/communicating-us/monthly-drop-sessions> or call 0300 126 7000.
Gayton and Tiffield Community bus service
The Gayton and Tiffield Community bus service has been operating and serving the two villages since 1984 - more detail can be found here: http://www.gayton-northants.co.uk/services/minibus/index.html .
We are pleased to advise you that this established service is to be extended to Pattishall Parish that all residents can take advantage of.
If residents have a bus pass this can be used on the service and if not, there is a nominal fee of £6 return to and from Towcester and just £7 to and from Northampton. The bus can pick people up from their homes and also drop them off and the driver will help with shopping bags too.
The first bus will be coming through the Parish on Tuesday 27th June and again Friday 30th June. Along with this post is the map of the service and a timetable now extended to us all.
The service will be trialled for a one-year period and if it is adopted and used by Parish residents, will become a long-term fixture.
Please watch out for a leaflet coming through your door over the next few weeks, and more information in the Autumn edition of Around Pattishall.
We encourage you to utilise and enjoy the service – thank you.
Nigel
Nigel Banister
Pattishall Parish Council
Towcester Area Door to Door
Could you volunteer to help the elderly and vulnerable in our parish? If you have been volunteering during lockdown or are now working from home, are you able to spare some time to help out?
Towcester Area Door to Door urgently need to recruit additional volunteer drivers to help people in our community.
As we emerge from lockdown, the NHS is now offering a wider range of hospital and GP appointments, and dentists, opticians, podiatrists and other healthcare providers are back at work. We have seen a steady rise in the number of journeys requested and we expect this to continue, particularly when the Autumn flu vaccine programme begins.
This year, more than ever, our elderly and vulnerable neighbours need the support of a friendly, affordable, door-to-door service for their medical appointments.
Drivers need to have access to a car, be available on a regular basis for a minimum of half a day a week and complete a DBS check. Mileage is reimbursed at the HMRC rate and insurance premiums are not affected. Journeys are agreed in accordance with weekly availability and can fit around the school run, working from home or part time employment.
To learn more about volunteering for TADD visit www.towcesterareadoor2door.com or email volunteer@towcesterareadoor2door.co.uk